Press Release

The Fans Across America® Charitable Foundation Unites Sports and Entertainment Fans to Help Families with Seriously Ill Children

The Fans Across America® Charitable Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization, is going national to help families with seriously ill children. The Foundation launched exclusively in Phoenix, AZ in July of 2007 and is celebrating its one-year anniversary by taking its mission across America to build a community of sports and entertainment fans to help these families with the life expenses associated with the illness.

Phoenix, AZ, July 30, 2008 --(PR.com)-- The Fans Across America® Charitable Foundation (www.fansacrossamerica.org), a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization, is going national to help families with seriously ill children. The Foundation launched exclusively in Phoenix, AZ in July of 2007 and is celebrating its one-year anniversary by taking its mission across America to build a community of sports and entertainment fans to help these families with the life expenses associated with the illness.

Every year, families are forced into bankruptcy because of the medical and other expenses associated with the serious illness of a child. Add in the fact that between 65 to 70 percent of households live paycheck to paycheck and it is easy to see how the financial impact of the diagnosis can often be insurmountable. In fact, a 2005 Harvard study found that medical bills and illness played a roll in nearly half of all bankruptcies.

"Without the support of charitable foundations such as Fans Across America, families with seriously ill children would fall into a financial abyss. What once may have been a "normal life" ends with diagnosis. Parents often have to take extended, unpaid leaves from their employment to be with their children during long hospitalizations and months of complicated treatments," said Gina DeGraw, social worker at Phoenix Children's Hospital. "The Fans Across America Charitable Foundation helps remove a significant portion of this financial burden, freeing families to focus on their child's health and well-being."

Through an annual membership contribution of just $10 or more, Fans Across America's community of sports and entertainment fans help make a difference in the lives of these families by relieving some of the financial burdens associated with the illness. This support helps these parents focus on what really matters...their child. In appreciation for their commitment, Fans Across America community members are enrolled in the Fans Advantage program. Benefits of the program include national discounts and promotions for professional and collegiate sporting events, retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment venues, services and travel destinations.

"Fans Across America isn't about just a few people. It's about a nationwide community of sports and entertainment fans coming together to provide much needed assistance to families with seriously ill children," said Founder Bruce Petillo. "For a minimum contribution of just $10 a year, the price of a couple of lattes, our community members are part of an organization that truly is making a difference in the lives of families with seriously ill children. And that is truly a powerful force."

Fans Across America FamiliesFans Across America was able to help its first two families in December. They'd like to share with you what these families have said about Fans Across America:

"We thank God for this Foundation, which enabled our family to continue to persevere throughout the toughest moments of our lives," said Patricia Rodriguez. "God bless Fans Across America!""It takes a lot of individuals to support and keep Fans Across America going. I am aware it is not always easy, but their love and support has given us help at a time when even a mother's strength can start to give out. Thank you all so very much," said Diana Coppoth.

For more information, please visit us online at www.fansacrossamerica.org. To see their YouTube video, go to http://www.fansacrossamerica.org/about/news/articles/20080705.php.